By Elsie Kambala
- Can you tell us about your role as Country Manager for SLB and what it entails within Namibia’s oil and gas sector?
As Country Manager for SLB in Namibia, my role is to set a clear strategic direction and ensure our global expertise translates into sustainable value for the country. This means leading operations, building partnerships, and aligning technology and talent with Namibia’s long-term energy ambitions.
Namibia is at a pivotal stage in its energy journey, and our responsibility is to help turn potential into progress. We do this by introducing advanced technologies, strengthening local supply chains, and embedding the highest environmental, social, and governance standards in every project. A key part of my role is also driving local capability development through training, mentorship, and collaboration with universities and regulators, so that Namibians are at the forefront of this transformation.
Ultimately, SLB’s commitment goes beyond energy technology. We aim to be a trusted partner shaping resilient energy systems that create lasting value for Namibia and its people.
- Namibia’s energy sector is entering a transformative phase, where technology and sustainability will define its future. In this context, how is SLB contributing to this growth and ensuring that innovation and sustainable practices remain central to its approach?
2. Namibia’s energy transformation calls for solutions that combine innovation with responsibility. That is the core of SLB’s approach. We leverage advanced technologies and digital solutions to optimize exploration and production while minimizing environmental impact, enabling progress to be both efficient and sustainable.
This is evident in the technologies we deploy. For example, our Transition Technologies portfolio includes solutions like Symphony and Ora, which allow operators to evaluate reservoir performance while minimizing the need for flaring, directly reducing carbon emissions. Offshore, we introduced the EnviroUNIT system to improve slop water treatment, reduce water consumption, and lower emissions from waste handling. These innovations reflect our focus on efficiency and environmental stewardship.
Beyond technology, we work closely with local stakeholders to ensure these solutions deliver measurable outcomes for Namibia. By embedding sustainability into every stage of our operations and driving innovation through technology, SLB is playing a key role in building an energy sector that is competitive, resilient, and aligned with Namibia’s vision for a sustainable future.
3. How does SLB collaborate with government and local stakeholders, and why is this collaboration critical for Namibia’s energy future?
Collaboration is fundamental to building a resilient and inclusive energy sector in Namibia. At SLB, we start by listening, working closely with authorities, customers, and communities to understand local needs and deliver solutions that create shared value.
This approach allows us to go beyond compliance and actively contribute to policy development, local content initiatives, and capacity building that strengthen Namibia’s energy future. We turn this commitment into action by co-creating solutions with government and local partners, whether it’s developing talent pipelines, strengthening supply chains, or deploying technologies that maximize in-country value.
Recently, we facilitated a two-day knowledge exchange between Namibia’s National Radiation Protection Authority and Angola’s regulatory body. These engagements included practical demonstrations and moderated sessions that helped address shared challenges and reinforce regional regulatory excellence.
Another milestone was our partnership with NAMCOR, designed to accelerate Namibia’s energy ambitions through sustainable and innovative solutions. Together, we focus on knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and strategies that prioritize local content and environmental stewardship.
This is what collaboration means to us, building strong local ecosystems that support energy security and economic growth for Namibia.
4. What role does local talent and skills development play in SLB’s operations in Namibia, and how can international energy companies best support the country’s goals for local content and capacity building?
Local talent is at the heart of SLB’s work in Namibia. In 2022, we welcomed a cohort of young Namibians with limited hands‑on experience in the energy sector and invested in their growth through extensive global training, practical field exposure, and short‑term international assignments on projects in Angola, Congo, Brazil, Suriname, and beyond.
Today, several of those once‑novice professionals lead core operations in Namibia, and one was recently recognized by the African Energy Chamber as a 2025 “20 Under 40 Women Rising Star”, a milestone that reflects both individual excellence and the strength of Namibia’s talent pipeline.
We have taken intentional measures to empower this pipeline by working upstream. Before hiring, SLB partners with institutions such as Namibia University of Science and Technology and the National Institute of Technology to host workshops, career fairs, and technical engagements that have reached more than 800 students in recent years, demystifying the energy industry and creating clear pathways.
When international energy companies approach local content this way, capacity building becomes a catalyst for sustainable growth. That is the story we are writing with our teams, partners, and communities: a homegrown workforce leading Namibia’s energy future for sustainable development.
5. As one of the leading women in Namibia’s energy sector, what does representation and mentorship mean to you, and what message would you share with young Namibians, especially women aspiring to build careers in energy and engineering?
Representation matters because it changes the narrative. It shows what is possible and creates a sense of belonging in spaces where diversity has historically been limited. Mentorship takes that further by turning possibility into progress, providing guidance, confidence, and access to networks that help young professionals navigate complex industries like energy.
We’ve seen this firsthand at SLB. Through partnerships with local institutions and structured development programs, we’ve helped young Namibians, including women, gain global exposure and return to lead critical operations at home. These stories prove that opportunity and preparation can transform careers.
My message to young Namibians, especially women, is this: your skills and perspectives are critical to shaping the future of this industry. The energy sector is evolving, and diverse voices will define its trajectory. Be bold, invest in your education, and seek mentors who challenge and support you.
And here’s what matters most: where you start does not limit where you can go. Whether your background is technical or not, this industry needs innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders from all walks of life.
6. Looking ahead, what opportunities excite you most about Namibia’s oil and gas journey, and how can industry players collaborate to turn emerging challenges into drivers of sustainable growth?
The development of Namibia’s oil and gas sector marks a turning point, offering a chance to drive economic growth and build a sustainable energy future. What excites me most is the potential to create an industry that delivers jobs, builds local expertise, and introduces technologies that set Namibia apart as a leader in responsible energy development.
Of course, transformative opportunities come with challenges, whether it’s infrastructure gaps, workforce readiness, or environmental stewardship. But these challenges can become catalysts for growth if approached collaboratively. Industry players can make a real impact by:
- Investing in shared infrastructure to accelerate development and reduce costs.
- Develop local capacity early through training, collaboration, and mentorship.
- Drive technology transfer and innovation for efficient and sustainable solutions.
- Embed ESG principles in every project to ensure responsible, inclusive growth.
When we combine knowledge sharing, innovation, and a commitment to local content, we turn challenges into opportunities that benefit everyone. That is the future I see for Namibia: an energy sector that powers economic transformation and sets a benchmark for sustainability in Africa.
If you would like to be updated on the latest Namibia Oil and Gas news, visit www.namibiaoilandgas.com
